City of San JoseThe San José Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) Department has named Lisa Joiner, deputy director of San José’s Building Division, as the City’s chief building official.

The mantle of chief building official in San José was previously held by Chu Chang, assistant director of PBCE, who was notably honored last March by California Building Officials (CALBO) as Building Official of the Year. Chang serves as the PBCE assistant director.

“I’ve been honored to work with a great mentor, Chu Chang, and I’m excited to fully undertake this role on behalf of the San José community,” said Joiner.

“We are fortunate to have Lisa — a leader in our City and a highly experienced Building professional — take on the full duties of the chief building official,” said PBCE Director Chris Burton. “Whether it’s providing guidance on a complex project, inspiring a new building program or representing the City on proposed state building regulations, she is a true professional and a valued member of our team.”

Joiner came aboard San José in 2012 as a plan check engineer and was progressively promoted through the ranks to her current position as deputy director of the Building Division. She holds a B.S. in Structural Engineering from the University of California, San Diego, and a M.S. in Civil and Structural Engineering from Stanford University. She is a registered professional civil engineer, structural engineer and certified access specialist (CASp) in the State of California and holds certifications from the International Code Council (ICC) as a building official and master code professional. Through these certifications and ongoing trainings, Lisa brings best-in-class building strategies and practices to the City of San José.